Transit agencies encourage Chicago region commuters to switch to trains and buses as gas prices spike

CHICAGO - As gas prices continue to climb across the Chicago region, public transit remains one of the most affordable ways to travel. CTA, Metra, and Pace in partnership with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), are encouraging residents to take transit for more trips to save money amid spiking fuel prices.

According to AAA, as of April 20, 2026, drivers in the city of Chicago are now paying $4.73 per gallon, while the Chicago metro average has climbed to $4.45 per gallon, roughly $1 more than the same time last year. Meanwhile, transit remains a stable and predictable cost across the region with no fare increases for riders in 2026. The cost to ride transit remains very affordable at:

• CTA rail: $2.50 per ride
• CTA bus: $2.25 per ride
• CTA/Pace 1-day pass: $5
• CTA/Pace 30-day pass: $75
• Pace fixed-route bus: $2.00 with Ventra
• Metra monthly pass, Zone 1-2: $75
• Regional Connect Pass: $30 add on to Metra monthly

According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) regional vehicle miles traveled (VMT) benchmark, the average household in the Chicago region drives 13,828 miles per year. At today's average gas price, that translates to approximately $2,533 annually in fuel costs alone, which is nearly three times the cost of a full year of CTA/Pace 30-Day Passes and almost 30 percent more than purchasing Regional Connect Passes for all Metra zones. Those costs don't account for parking, car insurance, or maintenance that comes with car ownership.

"Chicago-area families are paying nearly a dollar more per gallon than they were a year ago, and our region's own travel data shows most trips are still happening by car," said RTA Board Chairman Kirk Dillard. "This is the perfect time to dump the pump and take transit. Whether it's a CTA day pass, a Pace bus ride, or a Metra monthly pass, riders can lock in predictable transportation costs and avoid the rising price of gas and parking."

Not only are gas prices surging, but the Chicago region is one of the most traffic congested areas in the world. According to INRIX, a global leader in mobility and traffic data, Chicago is the 3^rd most traffic congested region in the world, and each year, Chicago area commuters lose 112 hours in congestion. Getting out of cars and into transit will not only save money, but it will also save time for commuters.

CMAP's 2024-25 My Daily Travel Survey shows that driving still accounts for more than three-quarters of all trips across northeastern Illinois, underscoring how many households remain exposed to rising fuel costs. While transit captures 14 percent of work commute trips and 22 percent of residents report using transit at least weekly, there is ample room for growth as residents look for ways to save money and time as gas prices continue to rise.